19 year old charged with indecent assault

Acting Assistant Commissioner Sala’a Moananu Sala’a told the media during his weekly conference that the matter occurred last year in November.

A 19 year old male from Savaii has been charged with allegations of indecent assault and having sexual intercourse with a victim under 16.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Sala’a Moananu Sala’a told the media during his weekly conference that the matter occurred last year in November.

“According to reports from the Vaitoomuli Police Office the matter was reported to them by one of the lady’s in the village,” said Sala’a.

“The incident occurred on November last year and as of now the young woman is pregnant, which means she is 7 months pregnant."

“The victim is 15 years old and she is in Year 10 in one of the colleges."

“It was a lady who lives in the same village as the victim who reported the matter because she was concerned."

“At the moment the accused is in police custody and he will appear in court on the 17th of July for first mention.”

Sala’a went on to say that this is one of the offences that the Ministry is looking into.

“As we all know these kinds of matters occur often in police reports,” he said.

“Sadly, young girls are always the ones most affected."

“However, we are also thankful to members of the public for reporting these disgusting acts to the Ministry so that we can endeavour to make sure that the people who are taking advantage of young girls, are put behind bars.”